This is a private guided tour report by Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.), a network of 1,000+ government-licensed, English-speaking local guides across all 47 prefectures of Japan. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.

Tour Itinerary

  • 1. 11:00 Meet at Blossom Hibiya
  • 2. 11:30 Imperial Palace (Outer Garden, East Garden)
  • 3.14:00 Lunch at Umaimon Azuma
  • 4. 14:50 Asakusa (Nakamise Street, Senso-ji Temple)
  • 5. 16:20 Meiji Shrine
  • 6. 17:05 Disband at Shinjuku Station

What Is a Private Tokyo Tour Like for First-Time Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests came from Europe and were visiting Japan for the first time, but they had researched thoroughly and had specific requests in advance, so I guided them accordingly. During the tour, they asked a variety of questions about Japanese history, culture, and customs, and I could sense their strong interest in Japan. Since lunch ended up being after 2:00 p.m., I took them to "Azuma," a place that is usually crowded and hard to get into, but we were able to be seated with no wait. They also enjoyed the meal very much. That day the weather was cool with a hint of autumn in the air, and I truly felt that we had finally reached a time of year when there was no need to worry about the heat and humidity.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1SubwayUchisaiwaicho~Hibiya178JPY
Section 2SubwayOtemachi~Asakusa178JPY
Section 3SubwayAsakusa~Meiji-jingumae252JPY
Section 4TrainHarajuku~Shinjuku146JPY
Total754JPY

Hi, I am Nobu, a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English).
I have been an English guide in Tokyo area since January 2017.
Tokyo is a wonderful city, and you may enjoy this city by yourselves.
Even so, I recommend you go around with a guide, especially if it is your first time visit to Tokyo.
A good guide will help you to understand about Tokyo and Japan as well as how to use convenient but complicated public transportations more effectively.
I am glad if I can help you to make your tour more enjoyable.
I am looking forward to meeting you in Tokyo soon!
Nobu

Jun 2, 2026
amandavW9846AW
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great Tokyo day trip!
We had a wonderfull day with Nobu! He…

May 25, 2026
Matthew_C
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Nobu was an excellent and…
Nobu was an excellent and informative guide…

May 24, 2026
Diane D
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Pleasant Intro to Tokyo
Nobu was an experienced and informative guide.…

Apr 28, 2026
GrandTour57165664797
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Awesome!
It was our first visit to Japan. Nobu was very knowledgeable…